zoom to an object without using the NumPad
You could use the menu item 3D view header View > View Selected, that is the same command as pressing NumPad .

AltF will center the view depth over whatever the mouse hovering on.

Home will zoom and center the view so all objects are in view.

Possibly the best solution for you is in the User Preferences under the Interface tab then check the two boxes for Auto Depth and Rotate Around Selection. That will make the viewport rotate around whatever object(s) is selected.
  

Also in the user preferences under the Input tab you could try enabling the Emulate NumPad check box. That will make the regular 1-0 keys act like the NumPad.